The HacDC CryptoParty will cover topics aimed at helping you keep your data safe by learning how to use basic cryptography tools to protect the content of your data and — of particular interest because of recent revelations— to thwart common forms of surveillance.

Like most of us, your life is probably pretty normal and of course you have nothing to hide. You may even think that allowing the government to read citizens’ email is the price we all have to pay for security.

But what if increased surveillance actually doesn’t keep us safer? What if the mere specter of surveillance suppresses your free expression? And what if you do have something that you want to keep private — for instance your sexual orientation, health status, political views, or that you’ve decided to stop practicing your religion?

Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every other form of freedom. —Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo

Like free speech and protection from unreasonable search and seizure, privacy is essential to civic engagement and a vibrant democracy. Privacy creates a safe, judgement-free space where people can play with new ideas and identities, think critically, and develop themselves. Privacy allows us to discover what type of society we want — and how we might engage with others to make that a reality.

A CryptoParty is a fun way to learn how to protect your privacy by securing your Data in Use (your computer as you work), your Data at Rest (your stored digital data), and your Data in Motion (your digital communications). We’ll cover the basics starting at 4pm, and will move on to more in depth topics later in the evening. The format will be hands-on and participatory, using an unconference format.

Want to volunteer? We need folks to help out with running the event. Questions? Write cryptoparty [AT] hacdc [DOT] org or subscribe to the event list. We’ll post again soon with the CryptoParty agenda and links to resources.